Friends, families and work colleagues lined up alongside 2,300 runners and walkers taking part in the 12th annual Herts 10K on Sunday - all raising funds for Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

Attracting everyone from elite runners to novices, the fastest finishers started to cross the line in less than 34 minutes.

In first place with an impressive 33 minutes 40 seconds was Warrick Raath who returns to complete the Herts 10K each year despite now living in Surrey.

Charlie Cooper cheers on daddy Rob.

Second place female Tilly Snow, who crossed the finish line at 40 minutes 42 seconds, said: “It’s just so much fun to be a part of something like this. The weather is beautiful, everyone is in really good spirits and it’s for a great cause.”

Work colleagues – using the 10K as a team-building opportunity - included Sherrards’ Solicitors, gold sponsors Plowman Craven, Understanding Recruitment and Fluxus Fitness.

Fluxus Fitness.

Running clubs were also well represented including the Harpenden Arrows who have been supporting the Herts 10K from the start together with women-only running club Athena. Others participating on the day were Run Redbourn, Wheathampstead Warriors and I love PT.

Others participating this year included the St Albans Nordic Walking Group some of whose members had first-hand experience of the care provided by Rennie Grove.

Gold sponsor Plowman Craven entered a team of 21 runners.

Running duo, Greg and Tim Haden from Harpenden and New York respectively were sporting lederhosen t-shirts in a bid to celebrate Octoberfest whilst out on the route.

Greg said: “I did the 10k last year and invited Tim along to join me for 2017. It’s a great event and it’s just full of energy.”

The Harpenden Arrows.

And to prove that age is no barrier to taking part, 83 year old Andy Bell from St Albans crossed the finish line to claim his third Herts 10K medal, and said how much he loves the camaraderie of the event. His daughter, Sue Murphy, also took part on the day.

Lawrence Levy, founder of the Herts 10K, said: “It was yet another great day for the Herts 10K and for Rennie Grove Hospice Care.”

Gillian Barnett, director of fundraising and marketing at Rennie Grove said; “I’d like to thank everyone who was in involved in making this another successful year at the Herts 10K - our founding sponsor Levy Associates, headline sponsor Plowman Craven, the volunteers, marshals, our fantastic race commentator Lee Partridge and Rothamsted Research for generously providing today’s venue. The money raised from events such as the Herts 10K ensures that we are able to continue providing care and support to local adults and children diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting illness and their families.”